Legacy Pets

One day you may not come home... Make sure your pet is still cared for.

Legacy Pets

Planning ahead through Legacy Pets

What would happen to your pets if you were to suddenly pass away? Do you have a plan that will ensure your pets will be loved and cared for?

Animal Welfare League Queensland’s (AWLQ) Legacy Pets Program is a free service to anyone in the community who is concerned their pet might outlive them and has no one to leave them to.

AWLQ will ensure that in the event of your passing, your pet will be placed into a loving adoptive family and always be under the care and protection of AWLQ.

Why is it FREE to register your pet into our Legacy Pet Program?

Most animal charities charge a hefty fee per animal to register a pet into a Legacy Pet Program. AWLQ’s Legacy Pet Program is FREE because we believe the welfare of an animal should never be subject to the amount someone can pay.

As a Golden Hearts™ member you may choose to put your own pets into our Legacy Pet program. As a registered Legacy Pet, your companion animal will immediately come into the care of AWLQ and be placed with an experienced foster carer until a long-term match for your pet can be found.

AWLQ is passionate about the wellbeing of companion animals and wants to ensure that no animal finds itself abandoned and homeless after losing its owner. Sadly, many pets find themselves in this situation, ending up in pounds and shelters after their owners pass away. Legacy Pets is a simple way to ensure this NEVER happens to your pets. Registering for Legacy Pets is easy and will provide you with invaluable peace of mind that your beloved pet will always be cared for and loved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll my pet into Legacy Pets?

The first step is to ring our dedicated phone number or email address (see below), and we will forward you our Pet Care Profile form. Once we receive this completed form, your pet will then be registered. We will then check in annually with you, but remember to keep us informed if your pet’s circumstances ever change.

What to tell us about your pet?

Things to consider are your pet’s daily routine, health and medical history, dietary needs and temperament. It also helps to think about what type of home your pet would be best suited to. Do they get on with children or other animals? Where do they like to sleep? Do they like to go for walks? What is their favourite toy? This information is vital in ensuring your pet is adopted into the right home that is best suited to its needs.

What benefits does my pet receive as a registered Legacy Pet?

As a registered Legacy Pet member, you have our commitment and promise that your pet will not only be cared for, for the rest of its life but the new personally chosen owners will receive lifelong vet assistance to help care for your pet.

Should my plans for my pet’s future be included in my will?

Yes, it is important that you have left written instructions in your will for your pet to come into the care of AWLQ upon your passing if you want to ensure your wishes are carried out. For more detail about our Legacy Pets program, including suggested wording for your will, please speak to our Legacy Pet Support team to obtain a brochure.

Gypsy’s Story

Gypsy Rose was a pampered and very much loved Persian cat. When her elderly owner suddenly passed away, Gypsy Rose’s world turned upside down.

Her owner’s relatives, who had come to settle the estate, cast Gypsy Rose out on the street. Gypsy Rose had been an indoor cat all her life and the outdoors terrified her. She took shelter in the bushes out the front of her old home and there she stayed, waiting in vain for her owner to return.

Weeks passed and a neighbour finally alerted AWLQ to the situation, who sent a representative to retrieve the poor cat. A terrified Gypsy Rose was barely able to walk from dehydration and starvation. Her once beautiful coat was matted with dirt and fleas. She was brought into the care of AWLQ, where she was treated by our vets and placed into foster care to begin her long and slow recovery. Happily, Gypsy Rose was eventually adopted by her foster carer and went on to live a full and happy life.

Join the Legacy Pets Program

For more information on joining our Legacy Pets Program:

Phone: 07 5509 9099 Email: bequests@awlqld.com.au

A Gift of Love

Her gift has secured the future of homeless animals for many years to come.

© Copyright Animal Welfare League Qld - Golden Hearts™ Seniors’ Pet Support Program

Have you considered leaving A Gift to Animals?

Because of the love and commitment of people like Florence Venery who left Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) a gift in her will, we are able to continue our lifesaving work. Her beautiful image is a reminder to future generations of her lasting legacy and undying love of animals.

Is there a way I can help support my pet and other animals in need after I am gone?

Whilst it is not a prerequisite that you leave a bequest to AWLQ in order to join your pet up to our Legacy Program, it is certainly appreciated. Leaving a gift in your will of any size will not only assist us to care for your own Legacy Pet, but will also help our many animals in need, and ensure your legacy lives on for many generations to come. Each year AWLQ cares for approximately 18,500 homeless and abandoned animals in our shelters and pounds.

As a not for profit registered charity, Animal Welfare League of Qld Inc (ABN 75 521 498 584) relies on the support and generosity of our community to keep our doors open. Those who choose to leave a bequest to AWLQ choose to leave a legacy that speaks of compassion, empathy and a love of animals. The contributions of our bequestors, like Florence Venery, are recognised on our perpetual Bequestors’ Memorial Wall, which takes pride of place in our flagship Rehoming Centre on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Please remember, when leaving a gift in your will to always consider your family and loved ones first.

Are you thinking about leaving a lasting legacy to animals?

For more information or for a confidential conversation regarding how you can leave a bequest to AWLQ:

Phone: 07 5509 9099 Email: bequests@awlqld.com.au

Join Now!

Member Details

Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Other) ____________________D.O.B. First Name ____________________________________Last Name __________________________________

Street Address____________________________________________________________________________ Suburb_______________________________________Post Code __________________________________ Home Tel _____________________________________Mobile_____________________________________ Email Address ____________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Details

Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Other) _______________________________________________________________

First Name ____________________________________Last Name __________________________________ Relationship to you (Child, Relative, Friend, Neighbour, Doctor etc.) __________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________ Suburb_______________________________________Post Code __________________________________ Home Tel _____________________________________Mobile: ____________________________________ Email Address ____________________________________________________________________________

Do you have pets?

________________________If YES, please complete the Pet Details Chart BELOW If no, are you looking for a new pet?__________If YES, please proceed to page 3of this application form. If NO, please proceed to page 4of this application form.

ALREADY HAVE A PET? Please tell us about them...

Please tell us about your existing pet(s). This information will only be referred to if you need to utilise the S.T.E.P.S. feature of the Golden Hearts™ program. This will ensure we have as much information as possible to ensure your pet is provided the best care possible until your return.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE BELOW FORM WITH AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE

Please tell us...

Pet 1 Pet 2

What is your pet’s name?

What type of pet do you have? (Dog or Cat)

What is your pet’s breed?

What is the age of your pet? (Provide the date of birth if known)

How long have you had your pet?

What is your pet’s gender?

Does your pet have a Microchip number? (Please provide if known)

Who is your current Vet Clinic?

What is their phone number?

Is your pet kept up to date with vaccinations? When is your pet’s next vaccination due? Please present a Vaccination Certificate when using the S.T.E.P.S. Feature of Golden Hearts™. Do you give your pet a heart worm / intestinal worms tablet monthly or a vaccination yearly?

Do you tick and flea treat your pet?

Describe your pet’s behaviour with other dogs?

Describe your pet’s behaviour with other cats?

Describe your pet’s behaviour with children?

Does your pet like to guard their food, toys or bed etc.?

What is your pet’s usual food/diet and how often does your pet eat daily?

Where does your pet usually sleep?

Does your pet have a favourite toy? If so, what is it?

Does your pet have any special routines? (e.g. treat before bed, toileting before bed etc). Please describe here.

Is your pet comfortable with being left alone for short periods of time?

Describe your pet’s usual exercise routine and frequency. (e.g. walks, playtime, catch, fetch etc)

Is your pet prone to bite or scratch? If so, please explain circumstances.

LOOKING FOR A PET?

Pet Matching Questionnaire

1) What type of pet would you be interested in? 2) How old would you like your new pet to be? Dog 0-2 years Cat 3-7 years Other____________ please specify 8 years and older

3) Do you live in a House Apartment Complex

Retirement Village 4) If in a house do you have secure fencing and front gate?_________________________________________

5) If you live in an apartment please tell us what floor you live on and if you have elevator or stair access?

6) If you live in a complex, retirement village, or a rental, are pets allowed?____________________________

7) If pets are allowed is there a weight limit? ____________________________________________________

8) Are you able to provide a pet exercise? ______________________________________________________

9) Do you have access to your own transport?___________________________________________________

Under S.T.E.P.S. (p10) if something should happen to you while your pet is in AWLQ’s care and you are no longer able to provide for your animal, please advise us who you would prefer your pet(s) went to: OPTION1 - I would like to nominate an individual to care for my pets in an emergency

Full Name Relationship to you _________________________Contact number ___________________

OPTION 2 - I would like to utilise AWLQ’s Rehoming Program

YES - I would like to speak to someone about becoming a Golden Hearts™ Foster Carer.

DECLARATION - Please read the important information below:

I agree that the person I have listed as my emergency contact person has the authority to make decisions in relation to my pet on my behalf in the event that AWLQ is unable to contact me. I agree that I am financially responsible for any decision made by my emergency contact person, that incurs an expense to AWLQ which is not covered by my membership to the Golden Hearts™ Seniors’ Pet Support Program and I agree to reimburse AWLQ in the event of any such expense. I will not hold AWLQ responsible for any decision made by my emergency contact person which may be different from the decision I would have made. I agree that all the information I have provided to AWLQ in relation to my pet(s) or my needs is correct and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that if I have not provided AWLQ with correct or accurate information, that this could hinder AWLQ’s ability to care for my pet(s) or assist me with my needs in relation to a pet. I understand if my pet has serious health or behaviour issues that require specialist attention or management, they may not be eligible to qualify for the S.T.E.P.S. program To the extent permitted by law and except to the extent a claim is caused or contributed to by the negligence, willful default of unlawful act or omission of AWLQ or any of their personnel, I release, discharge and indemnify AWLQ and its personnel from and against any claim which may be brought against or made upon or incurred by any of them in connection with the performance of this agreement and in relation to any program provided by AWLQ.

YES - I have a pet and have enclosed the Pet Questionnaire Form with my application.

Membership Declaration

Applicant Full Name_______________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________Date Witness Full Name ________________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________Date Once you have completed the form and signed all the relevant places please keep a copy of your membership application for your files and mail back to:

MAIL TO: AWLQ Golden Hearts™ Department, PO BOX 3253, Helensvale Town Centre, QLD 4212 Or hand deliver it to your closest AWLQ Rehoming Centre.

Golden Hearts™ Department: Phone (07) 5509 9033 | Email: goldenhearts@awlqld.com.au AWLQ Head Office Call Centre: (07) 5509 9000

Please ensure all information is included with your Golden Hearts™ application. You are welcome to attach additional notes if you need to.

Our promise to you is that we will never put down a healthy pet.

Please help us with a gift in your will.

Each year Animal Welfare League Qld rehomes nearly 9,000 surrendered and abandoned animals. We are leaders in the field of rehoming and will never euthanise a social, healthy or treatable companion animal – whatever its age. By leaving a gift in your will you will be helping us continue a lifesaving commitment which began in 1959. Become part of the AWLQ family and make a difference for animals in need. Contact us today for more information or for a confidential conversation. Visit awlqld.com.au | Call 07 5509 9099 | E: bequests@awlqld.com.au

Golden Hearts™ Seniors’ Pet Support Program Animal Welfare League Qld Head Office & Gold Coast Rehoming Centre Address: Shelter Rd, Coombabah, Qld 4216 Mail: PO Box 3253, Helensvale Town Centre Qld 4212

Golden Hearts ™ Memberships

Phone: (07) 5509 9033

Email: goldenhearts@awlqld.com.au

Bequests & Legacy Pet S Phone: (07) 5509 9099 Email: bequests@awlqld.com.au

A proud initiative of